Stereo systems for trucks are an excellent way to enjoy your music on the road.
They incorporate features such as Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, and hands-free calling that make trucking life much easier and more enjoyable.
The best stereo for trucks is the Kenwood DDX9907XR 6.8″ CD/DVD Receiver. It features a high-definition monitor with a capacitive touch panel that provides clear and vivid images. Its built-in Apple Maps system provides precise mapping and turn-by-turn directions for stress-free driving.
Unfortunately, choosing the best stereo for your truck can be difficult because of the many options available.
To help you narrow down the choices, I’ve compiled a list of the best stereos for trucks in 2022. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-of-the-line stereo, you’re sure to find the best stereo for trucks that suits your needs.
In summary:
- Best Overall Touchscreen Stereo: Kenwood DDX9907XR 6.8″ CD/DVD Receiver w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Best Value Touchscreen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX In-Dash Multimedia Receiver
- Best Budget Single Din Radio With Simple Controls: JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo Receiver
- Best High-End Touchscreen Stereo: Kenwood DNR1007XR eXcelon 10.1″ High Definition Navigation Car Stereo Receiver
- Best Truck Stereo With CD Receiver: JVC KD-T910BTS Car Stereo
🚚 Factors To Consider When Choosing a Truck Stereo
Your truck’s stereo is the centerpiece of your audio experience while on the road. It’s also an excellent way to incorporate additional features for a better-looking and sounding truck.
As such, you want a stereo that can connect to your smartphone so you can stream music, make hands-free calls, and use GPS navigation.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the best stereo for trucks:
Audio Sources and Playback Formats
Gone are the days when you had to choose between AM/FM radio or CDs.
Today, there are many formats where audio files are encoded, so you want to be sure your new stereo can play the audio files stored on your devices. Additionally, the format type determines the audio file’s quality.
Lossless audio files like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV provide excellent sound quality compared to lossy files like MP3 and AAC, which offer conventional sound quality.
The best stereo for trucks accommodates all audio sources — including CDs, DVDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, AUX, Bluetooth, and smartphone apps.
Ensure the stereo you choose can play the audio files stored on your devices. If you have a library of high-resolution audio files, you’ll want a stereo that can play back those files in all their glory.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Smartphone Integration
Bluetooth connectivity is now a standard feature in most stereos.
It allows you to wirelessly connect your smartphone to the stereo so you can stream music and make hands-free calls. Additionally, you want a stereo that functions in tandem with your phone.
The best stereos for trucks have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
These features allow you to access your phone’s apps on the stereo display while keeping your eyes on the road. This ensures a safe and seamless driving experience. You can use navigation, stream music (like Spotify & Amazon Music), and make hands-free calls without ever picking up your phone.
GPS Navigation
A GPS navigation system uses satellite signals to provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
It’s an invaluable feature, especially if you’re driving in unfamiliar territory.
The best stereos for trucks come with a built-in GPS navigation system. That means you don’t have to rely on your phone’s data connection for mapping and directions.
And with the smartphone integration, you can use the navigation apps on your phone while keeping your eyes on the road.
The best stereos for trucks make it easy and safe to get to your destination.
Local Satellite and Radio
Listening to the radio while driving is a great way to stay updated on the latest news, sports, and weather. With satellite radio, you have access to hundreds of commercial-free music channels, talk shows, and more. The best stereos for trucks come with both a local radio and satellite radio so you can listen to your favorite stations while on the road.
With the advanced technology, traditional radio is becoming a thing of the past, being replaced by digital streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. These digital platforms offer crisp, clear sound quality and a wide variety of programs for you to choose from.
Physical Dimensions and Controls
Truck stereo systems come in two standard sizes: single din (2 in tall x 7 in wide / 5.08 cm x 17.78 cm) and double din (4 in tall x 7 in wide / 10.16 cm x 17.78 cm).
A single din features buttons and a simplistic display, but they’re packed with features.
A double din offers a larger touchscreen display that makes it easy to control all the stereo features.
It also supports GPS, DVD playback, and digital streaming services. While some single din or double din radios may directly fit your truck, others may require a special dash kit or mounting bracket.
When choosing a stereo for your truck, you’ll want to consider the physical dimensions and controls.
Do you want a simple, straightforward design or a more advanced touchscreen display? How important are GPS navigation and DVD playback?
And what size will fit best in your truck’s dash?
These are essential factors to consider when choosing the best stereo for your truck.
Expandability
USB ports, audio/video outputs, and auxiliary inputs are just a few ways you can expand your truck stereo system. If you want to add an amplifier, subwoofer, or other audio accessories, you’ll want to make sure the stereo has the necessary outputs.
And if you want to watch DVDs or connect a backup camera, you’ll want a stereo with video inputs.
The best stereos for trucks offer flexibility, so you can add to the system and customize it to your liking.
5 Best Stereos for Trucks
If you love listening to music in your truck, you need a great stereo system with the best features for your needs. Besides, as a trucker, your truck is your office, and you deserve the best system to make your long hours on the road more bearable.
To help you choose the best stereo for your truck, I’ve compiled a list of the five best stereos for trucks. These stereos have all the features you need, plus a few extras to make your trucking experience more enjoyable.
Best Overall Touchscreen Stereo: Kenwood DDX9907XR 6.8″ CD/DVD Receiver w/ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Equipped with the advanced Garmin navigation system, the Kenwood DDX9907XR is the best overall stereo for trucks. It’s a fully loaded touchscreen receiver with all the bells and whistles to make your trucking experience more enjoyable.
It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration and convenient control of your music, maps, etc. The built-in Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming make it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Its 6.8″ high definition monitor with capacitive touch panel provides a clear, detailed display with vivid colors for easy viewing. The capacitive touch panel provides a high contrast ratio, vivid text, and crystal clear graphics.
For the best audio experience, the Kenwood DDX9907XR supports various music formats, including high-resolution FLAC files and WAV (up to 24-bit/192 kHz).
With its built-in 13-band equalizer and digital time alignment, you can fine-tune the sound to your liking.
Plus, the three sets of 5V preamp outputs allow you to expand your system with external amplifiers and speakers.
Its customizable multi-widget screen allows you to customize your home screen with your favorite apps for easy access. The widget options can include a visualizer, turn-by-turn, clock, compass, current song information, and more, depending on the model.
The Kenwood DDX9907XR comes with an HD radio and WiFi built-in for clear, digital sound quality.
With its advanced Garmin navigation system, you’ll always know where you’re going and how to get there without stopping at every corner to ask for directions.
The real-time traffic updates and voice-activated navigation make it easy to get around town.
The built-in DVD player and dual USB ports allow you to enjoy your favorite movies and music on the go. And its advanced Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming make it easy to stay connected while on the road.
Pros
- Fully loaded touchscreen receiver with all the bells and whistles
- Built-in Garmin navigation system for clear, detailed mapping
- Advanced Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Customizable multi-widget home screen
- Built-in WiFi and HD radio for clear, digital sound quality
- Supports various music formats, including FLAC files
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than other stereos on the market
Best Value Touchscreen Stereo: Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX In Dash Multimedia Receiver
If you’re in the market for a high-quality touchscreen stereo but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX is the best option. It’s one of the most affordable touchscreen stereos without sacrificing quality or features.
With its 7″ WVGA clear resistive touchscreen display, you’ll enjoy a clear, detailed view of your music, maps, etc.
The display is highly responsive and features a 24-bit true-color LCD panel for vivid colors and sharp graphics.
The Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration. You can use your smartphone to control your Carplay music, maps, calls, etc.
Plus, the built-in Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi allow you to stay connected while on the road.
It offers high-resolution FLAC file playback up to 192Khz/24 bit (output @ 44Khz/16-bit) for the best audio experience.
With its HDMI and USB inputs, you can connect external devices for even more entertainment options.
This stereo truck system also has dual backup camera inputs for added safety.
The front and rear cameras provide a clear view of what’s behind you when backing up or parallel parking.
The Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX is also SiriusXM ready, so you can enjoy your favorite satellite radio channels.
Pros
- Affordable touchscreen stereo with high-end features
- 7″ WVGA clear resistive touchscreen display for clear, detailed view
- Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone integration
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi for staying connected
- Dual backup camera inputs for added safety
Cons
- Apple CarPlay may lose connection occasionally
- There may be a reboot loop issue caused by corrupted firmware
Best Budget Single Din Radio With Simple Controls: JENSEN MPR210 7 Character LCD Single DIN Car Stereo Receiver
Enjoying music on the go doesn’t have to be expensive. The Jensen MPR210 is a single din radio that offers a great listening experience without breaking the bank.
It features a 7-character high-resolution LCD with a comfortable viewing experience while driving. It’s incredibly responsive and keeps all your favorite preset apps within easy reach.
With its Siri or Google voice assist button, you can control your music, maps, and more with just the sound of your voice.
Whether you want to play your favorite song, find the nearest gas station, or make a call, you can do it all hands-free.
The Jensen MPR210 also has built-in Bluetooth capability that allows it to connect easily with several Bluetooth devices.
You can wirelessly stream music, make hands-free calls, and more.
This Jensen stereo also features a front USB input that lets you connect your smartphone or other USB devices.
It also comes with an auxiliary input for connecting external audio sources.
It has 2-band tone control (bass/treble) and 4 preset EQ curves (Pop Jazz Rock & Flat) to customize your listening experience.
Plus, the Jensen MPR210 has an AM/FM tuner with 30 Station presets (18 FM/12 AM) that lets you enjoy your favorite radio stations.
Although you could find more if you use a CarPlay Radio app using digital radio.
Pros
- Budget-friendly single din radio
- 7 character high-resolution LCD for comfortable viewing
- Siri or Google voice assist button for hands-free control
- Built-in Bluetooth for connecting with Bluetooth devices
- Front USB input and auxiliary input for connecting external audio sources
Cons
- The LCD isn’t as bright in direct sunlight
- May have trouble picking up weak radio signals
Best High-End Touchscreen Stereo: Kenwood DNR1007XR eXcelon 10.1″ High Definition Navigation Car Stereo Receiver
With its 10.1″ high definition touchscreen display, the Kenwood DNR1007XR is a marvel of modern technology.
It offers a clear, detailed view of everything on your screen. The responsive display is easy to use and keeps all your favorite apps within reach.
It offers a slick, intuitive interface packed with high-end features, including Garmin navigation, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, etc.
The Kenwood DNR1007XR connects to a double din-sized chassis of your truck for a flush, factory look.
If you love high sound quality, you’ll be blown away by the 13-band equalizer with Digital Time Alignment.
It lets you fine-tune your sound to perfection, whether you’re listening to music, navigation directions, or hands-free calls.
The Kenwood DNR1007XR comes with a built-in amplifier with high-pass/low-pass filters that give you plenty of power to fill your truck with rich, detailed sound.
You can add up to 4 cameras to your system with its multiple camera inputs.
This is great for added safety while reversing, changing lanes, or parking. You can also use the Kenwood DNR1007XR to mirror your smartphone’s screen.
This lets you use all your favorite apps on the go without ever touching your phone.
Pros
- 10.1″ high definition capacitive touchscreen display for clear, detailed view
- Slick, intuitive interface with high-end features
- Built-in amplifier for rich, detailed sound
- Multiple camera inputs for added safety
Cons
- The touchscreen may be too sensitive for some users
- Expensive
Best Truck Stereo With CD Receiver: JVC KD-T910BTS Car Stereo
If you’re after an affordable, feature-packed, easy-to-use truck stereo with a CD receiver, the JVC KD-T910BTS is a perfect choice.
It has a two lines vertical alignment LCD that offers a broader and clearer view. The buttons are also placed on the side of the display for easy and comfortable operation.
The JVC KD-T910BTS comes with a built-in amplifier that delivers clean and powerful sound.
You can also fine-tune your sound with the 13-band equalizer. Its K2 technology enhances the digital sound quality for an even better listening experience.
This JVC stereo also has built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and a dual full-time phone connection.
You can also wirelessly stream music from your smartphone to the stereo. It also supports Android Music Playback and control using an optional USB cable.
The built-in CD receiver allows you to enjoy your favorite CDs, MP3s, and WMA files.
If you want to add more external audio sources, it also has a front USB and an auxiliary input. You can also add a subwoofer to the system for more powerful bass.
Pros
- Broad and clear LCD
- Buttons are placed on the side of the display for easy operation
- Built-in amplifier for clean and powerful sound
- 13-band equalizer for sound customization
Cons
- Some users find the display too small
Final Thoughts
Truck stereo systems offer a great way to listen to music while on the road.
They incorporate many features that make your drive safer and more enjoyable. When choosing a stereo for your truck, consider your budget and what features are most important to you.
The Kenwood DDX9907XR 6.8″ CD/DVD Receiver is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-end system with all the bells and whistles.
If you’re after a more portable option, you should check out my guide to external CarPlay displays; that way, you can take it with you wherever you go, even if you change trucks.
